First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to compete again, Charley Hull launching YouTube soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This amicable agreement was stated officially by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, a competitor who thrives on high-level challenges, has been less motivated in LIV. He originally joined LIV in 2022 fearing his career might end due to injury and sought financial security for retirement. His opting out of the final contractual season raises questions—did he buy out his contract or refund part of his guaranteed salary? He also remains the owner of the LIV team Smash GC, which recently appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation abounds regarding which tours Koepka will next join. He could play immediately on the DP World Tour, probably with a penalty fee, or return to the PGA Tour, where he must serve a one-year suspension since his last LIV event after previous lifetime suspensions were softened. Why retaliate when every LIV returnee benefits the already dominant PGA Tour? This key question seems partly answered: ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported last Friday that Koepka formally applied to reactivate his PGA Tour membership not renewed after 2022.
Potential suspension would end in August, also when the 2026 season concludes with the Tour Championship (Aug 27–30). Koepka would be eligible for 2027, coinciding with the PGA Tour’s new schedule of approximately two dozen $20 million events featuring limited elite fields—a perfect re-entry moment suited to Koepka’s style. Investors in PGA Tour Enterprises would welcome another marquee name.
\”He may need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the ‘Subpar’ podcast. \”He might play the minimum at first and select the events he prefers, the big ones. If he qualifies for or is invited to high-profile tournaments, he’d play those too.\” Furthermore, the PGA and player directors, including the Tiger Woods-led competition committee, hold influence over suspensions and seem inclined to allow Koepka to play again, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation. A majority of fans appear to agree, according to a non-representative survey by ‘Bunkered’.
Update: Indeed, Koepka was promptly reinstated for the PGA Tour and is already set to compete at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines, as well as the WM Phoenix Open in Scottsdale, enabled by the newly introduced \”Returning Member Program\” allowing selected LIV players to rejoin without suspension.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Golf Return for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau has officially confirmed he will compete in the LIV Golf League in 2026. His Crushers team, including Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri, remains intact for the fifth season. Interestingly, DeChambeau did not announce a contract extension, fueling speculation about behind-the-scenes arrangements to retain